The expedition was flagged off in Theog, Shimla, by Shashank Gupta, Sub-Divisional Magistrate and Sidharth Sharma, Deputy Superintendent of Police
Indian motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield has partnered with the United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to launch the fourth edition of ‘The Great Himalayan Exploration’, a unique motorcycling expedition aimed at documenting and preserving the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of the Indian Himalayan Region.
In a press statement, Royal Enfield says that the 2025 chapter will cover Himachal Pradesh, highlighting 12 living traditions that reflect the state’s cultural identity.
The statement adds that the expedition was flagged off in Theog, Shimla, by Shashank Gupta, Sub-Divisional Magistrate and Sidharth Sharma, Deputy Superintendent of Police, in the presence of cultural representatives and motorcycling enthusiasts.
The statement adds that a carefully selected team of 20 rider-researchers will undertake the journey, which continues until October 9. Divided into four groups, the riders will traverse distinct routes across the state, engaging directly with communities to document knowledge, rituals, arts and cultural expressions.
According to the statement, some of the traditions being documented include Himachali Dham, a traditional wedding and festival feast prepared by hereditary chefs; Chamba Thaal, ornate brassware for rituals; Kangra miniature paintings of the 18th–19th century; and Kath-Kuni architecture, an indigenous earthquake-resistant building technique.
Additionally, the team will also showcase Spiti jewellery, Himachali topis and festivals like Kullu Dussehra, where over 300 village deities congregate for a week-long celebration.
The journey will be extensively documented in a four-part docuseries presented by National Geographic, expected to offer audiences a deeper insight into the riders’ encounters and Himachal’s cultural heritage. The series is set to premiere on JioHotstar, an OTT platform.